***Longwood Predicts Big Year for Diving in Aqaba***

The Red Sea’s well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s most spectacular dive sites is steadily growing, with hundreds of divers from the UK taking advantage every year of the region’s warm, clear waters and short 5 hour flight.

Specialist Red Sea operator Longwood Holidays is tipping the Jordanian resort of Aqaba to be the next big diving destination. With no direct flights and customers left with little option other than to transfer from Amman, the resort has remained relatively undiscovered by UK divers to date. However, with Longwood Holidays offering a direct winter season flight to Ovda, a mere 90 minute transfer away, Aqaba is now more accessible than ever.

“Some of the finest diving in the Northern Red Sea is to be found in Aqaba.” said Daniel Lion, Longwood Holidays Dive Product Manager. “ The resort has a great reputation for the growth and condition of its coral, and there’s a great variety of dive sites for beginners through to qualified divers, including the famous wreck of the Cedar Pride.”

There’s also plenty to keep the non-diver entertained as Aqaba is ideally located for exploring the surrounding country, with a wide range of in-resort activities and excursions (including Petra and Wadi Rum) on offer. Jordan’s only port, Aqaba is also a thriving town perfect for visitors seeking an authentic taste of local life away from the hotel pool.

Longwood offers the 3* Alcazar in Aqaba from £355 for 7nts half board, including flights and transfers. Diving can be booked through Seastar dive centre, based on-site at the Alcazar - 5 days’ diving (10 dives) is £105 for qualified divers, while learners can undertake a PADI Open Water course for £195.

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For further information, please contact Tara Bradberry at Longwood Holidays on

020 8418 2550 or tara.bradberry@longwoodholidays.co.uk

Notes to editors: Longwood Holidays offers a comprehensive diving programme throughout the Red Sea, featuring a range of courses and packages for all levels of diver from beginner to qualified. Longwood has a specialist dive team based in the UK office available to offer advice to agents wishing to book diving packages.